You may have picked up a taste that is unique to the gin that we use in Greenleaf + Terroir - and this is what sets us apart.

And it's all down to our "secret" (or not so secret anymore) ingredient - Pinotage!

Gins get their taste from the distillation with juniper berries and the mix of botanicals that is unique to that brand. Many gins these days use interesting, locally sourced botanicals to give their product a flavour that is distinctive to them. We decided to use gin distilled with South African Pinotage grapes – for what is more reflective of our Cape region than our locally grown wine grapes?

The base spirit used in Greenleaf + Terroir is mixed with wine from Pinotage grapes (grown in the Durbanville area, just outside of Cape Town) and is then distilled further with juniper berries, hand-peeled lemons and limes, coriander and fennel.

We think that this simple combination makes our gin the very best that there is!

We think that Greenleaf +Terroir is delicious just on its own. But that doesn't mean that we don't enjoy playing around with new combinations of garnishes.

A plain lemon or lime wedge works well, or keep with the citrus theme and try a wedge of orange or mandarin.

Fresh ingredients like berries, mint and other fresh herbs work well on warm summer or spring days; or try mixing up festive flavours, like cinnamon and rosemary, mixed with orange for a twist on a Christmas cocktail.

A new alcohol mixed drink has been launched, just in time for the hot summer festive season. Greenleaf + Terroir – or G+T for short – is a pre-mix of locally produced, small batch gin, and a craft tonic, served in easy-to-drink glass bottles.

The drink is crisp and refreshing, with a unique taste provided by the gin, which is distilled with Pinotage grapes grown in the Durbanville area, just outside of Cape Town.

“Gins get their taste from the distillation with juniper berries and the mix of botanicals that is unique to that brand. Many gins these days use interesting, locally sourced botanicals to give their product a flavour that is distinctive to them. We decided to use gin distilled with South African Pinotage grapes – for what is more reflective of our Cape region than our locally grown wine grapes?” explained Rudolf Fourie, from Greenleaf + Terroir.

Greenleaf + Terroir uses a base spirit that is mixed with distilled Pinotage wine, and is then distilled further with juniper berries, hand-peeled lemons and limes, coriander and fennel.

“We set out to use the best gin we possibly could – one that was uncomplicated, simple and sophisticated,” said Fourie.

Apart from the juniper berries, which are imported from Tuscany, all other ingredients are Proudly South African, being locally grown, hand-picked and selected.

The tonic is also produced locally, in partnership with Barker and Quinn. It is made in small batches, using all natural ingredients, from earth-friendly suppliers.

The idea for the brand came about after a group of friends in Cape Town, all successful in other areas of business, decided to try their hand at creating their own drinks brand. Seeing how the popularity of gin was growing around the world, they realised there was a gap in the market for a quality pre-mix. The result is an easy-to-enjoy, refreshing drink, that is perfect for summer afternoons, evening sundowners or just taking along to a braai.

Greenleaf + Terroir is best served over ice in a glass. The mix is delicious enough not to need anything else to be added, although many enjoy experimenting to make their own preferred serve by adding favourite garnishes – such as lemon, orange, berries or fresh herbs – or simply enjoy straight from the bottle.

Greenleaf + Terroir is currently available from Checkers LiquorStores nationwide; TOPS at SPAR stores in the Western Cape and KZN; selected Vida e Caffè’s; and in independent stores, including Norman Goodfellows, Roeland Liquors and Yuppiechef. RRP starts from R22.99 a bottle, or R89.99 for a four-pack.

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